A potential new target for treatment of hormone refractory prost... ( A new study identifies a protein tha...)

A potential new target for treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer

Date:4/6/2009

A new study identifies a protein that modifies the androgen receptor (AR) and influences its ability to regulate target genes linked with the progression of prostate cancer. The research, published by Cell Press in the April 7th issue of the journal Cancer Cell, may also drive creation of new strategies for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to traditional anti-hormone therapies.

The AR is an important mediator for the development and progression of prostate cancer, including the progression to the aggressive and often lethal androgen-independent form of the disease. "Androgen ablation therapy is the most common treatment for advanced prostate cancer," offers senior study author, Dr. Yun Qiu from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "However, many patients inevitably develop deadly recurrent cancers, which no longer respond to androgen blockade and are resistant to current therapy."

To better understand mechanisms associated with advanced prostate cancer, Dr. Qiu and colleagues performed a screen designed to search for proteins that interact with the AR in hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells. The researchers identified RNF6 as an AR associated protein and demonstrated that RNF6 induced ubiquitination of the AR and promoted AR transcriptional activity. Ubiquitination is a common protein modification that mediates a diverse range of cellular activities. One of the best known functions of ubiquitination is to promote protein degradation. However, ubiquitination of AR by RNF6 appeared to have a stabilizing effect on AR protein.

Importantly, inhibition of RNF6 or interference with ubiquitination of AR altered expression of a specific group of AR target genes and abrogated recruitment of AR and its required coactivators to androgen-responsive regulatory regions in these genes. The researchers went on to show that expression of RNF6 was increased in human prostate cancer tissues that do
'/>"/>

Contact: Cathleen Genova
cgenova@cell.com
617-397-2802
Cell Press
Source:Eurekalert

1

GOOD

Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. DNA vaccine against multiple sclerosis appears safe, potentially beneficial
2. UCLA study identifies designer estrogen as potential MS drug
3. Office-Based Medical Treatment and Internet Resources Are Potential Solution to Rising Painkiller Misuse Among Teens, Young Adults
4. Common abdominal pain may be due to a potentially treatable newly recognized inflammatory reaction
5. Potential new approach to treat cognitive impairments in schizophrenia
6. Nosespray vaccine using aloe vera has exciting potential, researcher says
7. Network approach identifies potential breast cancer susceptibility gene
8. Liver fibrosis will be treated by a potential target
9. Researchers study potential health benefits of natural chemicals in muscadine grape seeds
10. Jefferson researchers find stem cells in degenerating spinal discs, potential for repair
11. China Holdings, Inc. Announces 2nd Biomass Renewable Energy Project (Power Capacity: 50 MW); Total Potential: 100 MW in Biomass Energy Pipeline

Post Your Comments:

A potential new target for treatment of hormone refractory prost...( A new study identifies a protein tha...),Health